New Master Plan to guide billions in future investment

27 June 2013

Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) has begun work on its next Airport Master Plan to guide development over the next 20 years, which will be lodged in September 2014.

Julieanne Alroe, BAC’s CEO and Managing Director said while a new Master Plan for the airport was required by the Australian Government every five years, it also reflected BAC’s ongoing commitment to integrated planning, sustainability and high standards of stakeholder engagement.

“We consider the Master Plan to be the most important planning document for the airport.

“While it becomes the blueprint for development to meet future demand, it also forms the platform for BAC’s ongoing investment in and contribution to Queensland’s economy over coming decades,” Ms Alroe said.

The new Master Plan will build on the strategies of the 2009 Master Plan focusing on topics such as terminal development, environmental management and sustainability, land use planning and the operation of the new parallel runway, among others.

“Forecasts show that passenger numbers are expected to rise from 21,500,000 in 2012 to around 48,700,000 in 2033/34 taking into account the substantial growth in the resource sector, which wasn’t considered in the last Master Plan,” Ms Alroe said.

“This level of growth demands that we plan ahead to ensure appropriate and sustainable infrastructure and services, such as roads, terminals and technology are in place,” she said.

The 2014 Master Plan will incorporate new information including a comprehensive Ground Transport Plan, with a focus on stimulating greater use of public transport, as well as an Airport Environment Strategy and associated action plans.

“During preparation of the Master Plan we will be working closely with all levels of government, as well as the community.

“It is important for the community to understand what is planned for the airport in coming years and while the Master Plan will have a statutory public comment phase, we want to encourage early involvement,” Ms Alroe said.

The public comment period is expected to occur in mid-2014, before the document is lodged with the Australian Government for assessment.

To allow community involvement, BAC had established a freecall information line (1800 737 075) and Master Plan email address (info@bacmajorprojects.com.au) through which people can direct queries and register for information.